Galatasaray’s ambitious pursuit of Victor Osimhen has taken a bold turn, with club officials openly declaring their readiness to meet Napoli’s hefty release clause and compete with Europe’s elite for the striker’s signature.
Vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu revealed that the Süper Lig champions have been laying the groundwork for months, even convincing Osimhen to stay put during the January transfer window.
“We told him, ‘We want you very much—don’t go anywhere,’” Kavukcu stated in an interview with A Spor. “Now, we’re at the negotiating table, prepared to pay his transfer fee and match any salary offer from Europe.”
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Osimhen’s sensational loan spell at Galatasaray has made him a fan favorite, with 36 goals in 40 games powering the club to a historic domestic double. His 25 league strikes also put him on track for the Golden Boot, further boosting his market value.
The 26-year-old proved his worth in Galatasaray’s title-clinching 3-0 win over Kayserispor. Yet, while fans celebrated the Super Lig triumph with elaborate displays—including drone shows and choreographed banners begging “Stay with us, Osi!Not because you have to, but because you want to”.
Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring for Turkish giants Galatasaray. Photo credit: Getty Images
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Osimhen has built a strong bond with the Galatasaray fans, who are also doing everything in their power to convince the him to stay in Istanbul.
Despite Napoli’s expectation of his return, Osimhen’s future under Antonio Conte remains uncertain, with top European clubs circling. Yet, Galatasaray’s public declaration signals their intent to defy the odds—and financial constraints—to secure the Nigerian star permanently.
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Will the allure of Istanbul and guaranteed stardom outweigh interest from Europe’s traditional powerhouses? The coming weeks may test just how far Galatasaray is willing to go.
